Ensembles

W&L offers a variety of Instrumental and Choral Ensembles, each open to all students regardless of their major. Click an ensemble below to view a description, course syllabus, performance calendar, and more.

The University Orchestra provides students with the opportunity to join with instrumentalists from the community and professional players in the performance of a wide variety of orchestral literature. The orchestra presents at least two concerts on campus throughout the year. Students in the String Orchestra occasionally take tours. One of the highlights of each year is the Concerto-Aria Competition in which W&L students are chosen by audition to perform as soloists with the orchestra on its winter term concert. The orchestra is under the direction of Christopher Dobbins.

The University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Terry Vosbein, was formed in 1996 and has grown steadily since its inception. The repertoire of the ensemble ranges from classics from the glory days of the big band to world premiere compositions.

The University Wind Ensemble is a symphonic band that is open to students and area residents. The Wind Ensemble presents at least two concerts on campus each year and takes tours in the US and abroad. Christopher Dobbins is the director.

The Washington and Lee University Singers, conducted by Shane Lynch, continues to be recognized as one of the finest a cappella choirs in the region. Routinely touring both nationally and internationally, the University Singers perform a wide variety of literature as a feature choir in major concert series and prestigious music festivals of groups such as the Virginia Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association.

Cantatrici ("excellent female singers") is the newest ensemble at W&L. Made up of singers that represent a huge cross-section of the student body, Cantatrici sings regularly throughout the campus and community, focusing on regional touring and community outreach. Auditions for the ensemble are held each September and January.

The W&L Men's Glee Club is the oldest ensemble at W&L, dating back to the 19th century. Based on the time-honored tradition of men's choral singing, the Glee Club performs regularly on campus, at athletic events, and in the community. Auditions for the ensemble are held each September and January and are open to any male singer in the W&L community.

The students of Washington & Lee University lead some of their own groups that you can be involved with. Student leaders hold auditions each term as space becomes available. These groups cannot be taken for credit.

General Admission (mixed a cappella)

JubiLee (all female a cappella)

Southern Comfort (all male a cappella)

The Washingtones (mixed a cappella)

Production Club (provides sound, lighting and recording support on campus)

For information on joining one of the a cappella ensembles, contact Gordon Spice.

For information on joining the Production Club, visit their page on this site .